Opinons on $2000 build

[Markyip1]

Hi all,

I'd like opinions on a build I've put together. (My budgetary goal is $2500-$3000.)
Some parts I'm taking from my current PC to reduce cost.

x1 Antec P180 Silver - $99 from Newegg with $25 MIR
x2 MSI NX8800GTS (nvidia 8800GTS / 640Meg) - $344 each from Newegg (w/ rebates)
x1 G.SKill 4Gig (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 800 - $429 w/ $10 instant rebate
x1 EVGA-122-CK-NF68 nForce 680i SLI - $209 wiht $15 MIR
x1 Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 (will probably upgrade to Quad in 2008)

Total: $1740

Plus parts from my current PC:

x2 250Gig SATA Hard Disks (500G RAID 0)
x1 Creative Labs Xi-Fi Platinum
x1 250Gig USB2 External HD
x1 300Gig USB2 External HD
x1 Microsoft Laser Desktop 6000 v2 (mouse / keyboard)

This computer will be used for gaming, video encoding, and system development. I plan to get a Dell 2407 Widescreen as a seperate purchase.

Opinions would be most appreciated, plus any tips for cheaper components!

Also, I'd like to water cool the system but don't know where to start. What are the best components and how much work should I expect in putting it together. Also, what PSUs would people recommend? Given the 8800GTS setup, I assume nothing less than 750watts.

Many thanks,

Mark Roboff

 

[Markdek]

Looks good; I would get a bigger / cooler case since you're going SLI.

 

[Markyip1]

Thanks for the reply,

What cases would you recommend? I find simple, metallic cases like the P-180 elegant and would like something like it. I know Lian-Li would be a good option. What would be a good mid-sized ATI case that is decently cool and quiet, and would fit the video cards?

Mark.

 

[Rob Black]

How about getting one GTX instead of 2 GTS?

 

[engiNURD]

Case recommendations: Coolermaster CM Stacker / Stacker 830 / Centurion 534, Thermaltake Armor Series / Armor Jr., Silverstone TJ06B-W / TJ07 / TJ09, Lian-Li PC-6070APlusII / PC60APlusII / PC-V1000APlus II / PC-G70. I'd go for the big cases, like the armor, stacker, tj06, if you want one that'll fit a huge card.

 

[Markyip1]

A single GTX isn't that much less expensive than two GTS cards for $340. What is the average performance diference between two GTS cards and one GTX card?

Mark.

 

[Markyip1]

Hmm... Any thoughts on the thermaltake Armor LCS case with the built in liquid cooling?

Mark.